METRO Green Line Extension
The METRO Green Line Extension will connect Minnetonka to the metro area light rail system. It will add 14.5 miles to the existing METRO Green Line. The new segment adds a station to the Opus area with additional stations in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Eden Prairie. The project is managed by the Met Council.
The METRO Green Line Extension will connect Minnetonka to the metro area light rail system. It will add 14.5 miles to the existing METRO Green Line. The new segment adds a station to the Opus area with additional stations in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Eden Prairie. The project is managed by the Met Council.
Project Documents
Who's Listening
-
JM
Phone 612-373-3894 Email James.Mockovciak@metrotransit.org
Key Dates
-
2019-May 2025
METRO Green Line Extension is currently at this stageStructure and station construction, track installation.
-
2025-December 2026
this is an upcoming stage for METRO Green Line ExtensionSystems construction and operational testing
-
2027
this is an upcoming stage for METRO Green Line ExtensionAnticipated opening of line
Project History
Discussions regarding the Southwest Transitway began in 1980, when the Minnesota Legislature directed the Metropolitan Council to conduct a feasibility study of light rail transit (LRT) in the metro area, including a Southwest corridor. It concluded in 1981 that an LRT line showed promise. In the late 1980s additional study was done on the Southwest corridor and it showed LRT appeared to be a viable transportation solution.
In 2002 and 2003, the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority (HCRRA) conducted the Southwest Rail Transit Study to study eight transit alternatives. In follow up to the Southwest Rail Transit Study, in 2005 the HCRRA initiated an Alternatives Analysis to evaluate transit options (modes and routes) for the Southwest Corridor. The study considered two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) alternatives and eight LRT alternatives, in addition to regular bus service alternatives. Upon review of the Alternatives Analysis, three LRT routes were retained in order to determine which one would best serve Southwest metro residents and workers.
From 2008–2010, the three Southwest Transitway LRT routes identified in the Alternatives Analysis underwent an environmental study, called a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). At the end of this study, alignment 3A was selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative. An application was then made to the Federal Transit Administration to enter Preliminary Engineering. The Southwest LRT (now called the Green Line Extension) was granted permission to enter Preliminary Engineering in September 2011.
Additionally in late 2009, Hennepin County established the Southwest LRT Community Works project. The purpose of the Community Works project is to create a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the land use and engineering of the LRT line in order to maximize investment and benefits.
Engineering
- 1980-1981 — Metro area LRT feasibility study led by the Metropolitan Council. Concludes that an LRT line showed promise.
- Late 1980’s — Additional study was done on the Southwest corridor and it showed LRT to be a viable transportation solution.
- 2002-2003 — Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRR) conducted the Southwest Rail Transit Study to study eight transit alternatives.
- 2005-2007 — HCRRA initiates an Alternatives Analysis to evaluate both mode type and route options for transit in the Southwest corridor. The study considered two Bus Rapid Transit alternatives and eight LRT alternatives. Upon review, three LRT routes were retained in order to determine which one would best serve Southwest metro residents and workers.
- 2008-2010 — HCRRA conducts a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the three routes identified in the Alternatives Analysis. At the end of this study, alignment 3A was selected as the Locally Preferred Alternative. An application was then made to the Federal Transit Administration to enter Preliminary Engineering.
- September 2011 — The Federal Transit Administration grants permission for the Southwest LRT (now called the Green Line Extension) to enter Preliminary Engineering.
- 2013-2014 — The Metropolitan Council conducts Preliminary Engineering and plans are completed to a 30 percent design.
- Summer 2014 — Hennepin County, the five Green Line Extension cities (including Minnetonka) complete Municipal Consent, which approves the project scope and budget.
- Spring 2015 — After additional design work and environmental review, the Green Line Extension is found to be over budget. Project scope and budget are reduced.
Land Use
- 2007 — Station area studies are completed on the 12 suburban stations. Future land uses within one-half mile of the stations are identified.
- 2009-Present — Hennepin County establishes the Southwest LRT Community Works project. The purpose is to create a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the land use and engineering of the LRT line in order to maximize investment and benefits.
- 2013 — A Corridor Investment Framework is completed. The purpose of the framework is to guide both public and private investment along the corridor.